SYRCL produces Handbook on Meadow Assessment and Restoration

Mountain meadows are areas of exceptional biodiversity and critical groundwater storage, and most meadows in the Sierra are are degraded and in need of restoration.  SYRCL leads the way in this priority type of watershed restoration by providing a handbook titled Sharing Stewardship: A Guide to Involving Volunteers in the Assessment, Monitoring and Restoration of Sierra Meadows.  The handbook is available as a pdf at SYRCL’s Restoration page.

The handbook reports on SYRCL’s experience with meadows assessment over the last four years, reviews the emerging field of meadow restoration, and provides a comprehensive description of how volunteers can contribute to this diverse and growing set of stewardship activities.   The handbook reviews the work of other organizations and provides guidance for expanding the role of volunteers. The handbook represents SYRCL’s commitment to conduct citizen-engaged restoration in the Yuba River watershed, and inspire similar work throughout the region. The handbook was created in partnership with American Rivers with a grant from the National Forest Foundation.

After years of monitoring and assessment projects, SYRCL began direct restoration activities in 2011.  Restoration project volunteers will gather on December 1 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and honor Sarah Phillips, Watershed Restoration Coordinator, who just completed her Americorps year of service.  Sarah contributed to the Meadow Handbook, and her many accomplishments provide a foundation for ongoing restoration work in our watershed.